basic info.

warnings this story contains themes of violence.
special thank you to @joonsbubu for beta reading.
" It is the greatest grievance of any man to be void of reason, and at one point, Nero could say with unmoving certainty that her life possessed a greater, more expansive meaning—was vivid with it, even. But no matter the extent of which she had run from it, the affliction that came with being a defender of the enclave had always managed to lodge itself back in between vulnerabilities of her mind. "
"death before dishonour" delves into Ethercrest, a nation steeped in animosity and besotted with loathe. Nero greyhelm, a vampire huntress, finds her life unexpectedly entangled with dr. valen alouette, the most freshly appointed apothecary of her league. Their bond unfolds amidst vendettas and unyielding peril, a testament to their own strength. as their relationship deepens, nero begins to uncover unsettling truths about the medic whom she's grown to trust, and suddenly the nuances of loyalty seem to blur together as doubt is casted upon everything she once believed.
the ethercrest enclave.

i. introduction
nestled in the rugged, tree-capped peaks of the northern mountains, the enclave of ethercrest is a place of haunting, natural beauty. The architecture brandishes a blend of sturdy mountain fortifications and elegant, sweeping lines, reflecting both the harsh environment and the refinement of its people. Tall spires reach for the sky, their tops often lost in the swirling haze that gifts the territory it's dreamlike allure.ii. history
within the early years of establishment, prosperity was near instantaneous. the rudimentary stage seems as if it never existed, as this wealth was built upon the rich veins of ore that run through the mountains and the skilled craftsmanship of its inhabitants. but despite this, there was an underlying sense of unease, as rumors swirl of nocturnal predators that stalk the night. The enclave's isolation, surrounded by towering cliffs and treacherous terrain, only adds to its mystique. Whispers among the townsfolk speak of strange happenings in the night, of shadows that move of their own accord. These rumors are dismissed by some as mere superstition, but others speak in hushed tones of creatures that thrive in the darkness, preying upon the unwary. Livestock would go missing, only to be found later drained of any lingering lifeforce; travelers surrender themselves into the depths of the night, their bodies discovered days later with marks indicative of only one truth. vampires were among them. These vampires were not mindless monsters, but rather a sophisticated society that had existed in the shadows for centuries, preying upon the outskirts of the now enriched civilization.iii. the association
shortly afterwards, a hunters association was thus created. the steel vanguard was born out of necessity, forged in the crucible of conflict between the opposing societies. as the vampire attacks increased in frequency and boldness, it became clear that a more organized and proactive approach was required.The vanguard started small, largely comprised of farmers, hunters, and tradespeople who had seen the devastation caused by vampires. Led by a charismatic leader, they trained relentlessly. Initially dismissed as mere vigilantes, their efforts gained worship as vampire attacks increased.As their numbers grew, the association became more organized, establishing a headquarters in the heart of the enclave and recruiting new members from among the populace. They developed specialized weapons revolving around the renowned luminacite ore, which ethercrest held a monopoly over. it's radiant property was greatly effective at dispelling the inherent twilight of a vampire's nature.gradually, the steel vanguard had became an integral part of life in ethercrest, its members revered as heroes. Despite the constant danger they face, the hunters remain steadfast in their mission, dedicated to keeping their enclave safe from the vampire threat.
the ebonmire court.

i. introduction
standing as the largest society of vampires, the ebonmire court traces back its origins to ancient times, derived from the shadows and shaped by centuries of survival amidst human civilizations. this organization's history is steeped in secrecy, with many of its early records , but its core belief remains absolute: survival at any cost.ii. history
Founded by an enigmatic leader arisen from the legacy lineage whose name has been bygone, the court was established as a sanctuary for vampires seeking refuge from the relentless persecution of humans across empires.despite being scattered across various nations, the court's unity remains resilient. this has been achieved through various means; the use of symbolic tokens that signify membership had been popularized, allowing members to recognize each other even in foreign locations. furthermore, the collection of a maintained shared body of lore and traditions help bind them together, even when physically separated.presently, the Ebonmire Court stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the vampire race. They continue to thrive in the shadows, ever watchful and ever vigilant, as they strive to cement their existence in a world bent upon erasing it.iii. perspective
From the lens of the Ebonmire Court, humans are seen as the aggressors, encroaching upon their territories, and threatening their existence. The court views itself as the rightful inhabitants of the night, a species misunderstood and demonized by humanity. They believe that their need for blood is no different from the human need for sustenance, yet they are hunted and persecuted for their nature. Despite their best efforts in bringing forth a secure identity in the world, free from the constant threat of human hunters and the ever-encroaching march of civilization, the Ebonmire Court is aware that their survival is far from guaranteed. They know that humans will always fear what they do not understand, and that the battle for survival is an ongoing one. However, they remain steadfast in their belief that they have a right to exist, and they will do whatever it takes to ensure that right is upheld.

nero greyhelm
reigning from a lineage of vampire hunters working under the steel vanguard, nero is the last remaining greyhelm. steadfast in her need to fulfill the the role of her late father, she follows the league's orders with an unwavering loyalty.
biography
height | 190 cm |
age | 30+ |
d.o.b | march 15th |
likes | dark chocolate, stray cats, and warm rainshowers. |